'Phenomenal paratrooper, leader and Airborne legend' Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth 'Rock' Merritt...

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (Tribune News Service) — Decades after retired Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth "Rock" Merritt jumped into World War II conflicts and retired as the 18th Airborne Corps' top enlisted senior adviser, Merritt's presence was still known around Fort Bragg.

Merritt frequently attended Fort Bragg ceremonies and events — to include standing on Longstreet to high-five every paratrooper during the 82nd Airborne Division's All American Week Division Run.

Merritt didn't have to tell people he loved soldiers and his time in the Army.

He showed it.

That is why Fort Bragg, the airborne community and veterans are mourning Merritt's death.

Merritt died Wednesday, officials with the 18th Airborne Corps confirmed.

Last week, Corps officials said Merritt was in the hospital "in rough shape," but did not specify his medical condition, other than saying the reason was not related to COVID-19.

"He maintained such a presence here, and for paratroopers serving today on Fort Bragg," Col. Joe Buccino, a historian and spokesman for the 18th Airborne Corps said on Thursday. "His legacy will be his mentorship. What people appreciate about Rock is when he would come back onto Fort Bragg for recognitions and ceremonies, he always sat with the troops, and he never left until he shook everybody's hand."

Merritt served in the 82nd Airborne Division's 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment during key World War II battles and was the 18th Airborne Corps' first command sergeant major.

He is also the only command sergeant major to serve as the Corps' top senior enlisted adviser twice — first selected for the spot from 1962 to 1966 and again between 1973 to 1977.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, tweeted on Wednesday evening that Merritt leaves behind a legacy for the division and Army.

"We lost a phenomenal paratrooper, leader and airborne legend," Donahue said.

Command Sgt. Maj. David Pitt, the division's top enlisted adviser, said the entire 82nd Airborne Division is saddened by the loss.

"Command Sgt. Maj. Rock Merritt was such a huge part of the 82ndAirborne Division's history as a legendary paratrooper who lived the All American legacy every day of his life," Pitt said. "Even after retirement he gave so much back to our community through mentorship, shared knowledge and friendship.

"He will be missed."